Mechanical Clamp With Compressible Link for Sheet Metal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing clamping systems for robotic sheet metal part forming lack efficiency and precision, leading to increased manufacturing time and costs.
Innovation Solution
A mechanical clamp system with an actuator, base link, clamp arm, and compressible link, which rotates to apply force securely and consistently, reducing the need for hydraulic cylinders and enhancing clamping precision.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If hydraulic cylinders are used for clamping, then clamping force can be applied, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the hydraulic cylinder from the clamping system, replacing it with a purely mechanical linkage system consisting of a base link, compressible link, and clamp arm that generates clamping force through mechanical rotation and compression alone
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the hydraulic system with a mechanical system where the compressible link (containing a spring) and linkage mechanism generate and control clamping force through mechanical rotation and elastic compression, eliminating the need for hydraulic actuators
2Productivity
If existing clamping systems are used, then objects can be held, but manufacturing precision and speed are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic clamping mechanism where the compressible link can rotate and compress along a compression axis, allowing the system to adapt to different object positions and thicknesses while maintaining consistent clamping force and precision through controlled mechanical motion
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters by using elastic compression of the spring within the compressible link to generate variable clamping forces, allowing precise control of clamping pressure adapted to different workpiece requirements without external hydraulic control
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The mechanical clamp system enhances the speed and accuracy of sheet metal part forming by providing a secure and consistent clamping force, reducing manufacturing time and costs.
Implementation Method 1
a compressible link with a spring configured to compress along a compression axis, the compressible link coupling the second link end with the first arm coupling element, rotation of the second link end about the link pivot point to cause the compressible link to exert force against the first arm coupling element
Data Source
AI summary
A mechanical clamp may include an actuator having an end that is movable. The mechanical clamp may include a base link with a first link end configured to be movably coupled to a link pivot point and with a second link end movably coupled to the end of the actuator. The mechanical clamp may include a clamp arm including: a clamp interface, a first arm coupling element, and a second arm coupling element mounted to a clamp pivot point, where the first arm coupling element and the clamp interface are configured to rotate about the clamp pivot point. The mechanical clamp may include a compressible link the couples the second link end with the first arm coupling element, where rotation of the second link end about the link pivot point causes the compressible link to exert force against the first arm coupling element.